“Businesses were asked about their view of the state economy, their view of the direction the state is heading, their own business forecast for sales and profits and employment, and all those were up,” said NJBIA President Phil Kirschner.

He pointed out the survey “bodes well for the economy, I think it bodes well for the citizens of the state of New Jersey, and it’s something that we’re very excited about.”

Fifty-seven percent of those responding said they expect the dollar value of their sales to increase, while only 15 percent predicted a decline in 2014.